Sarasota Military Academy senior Juliana Rendle was recently announced as a recipient of the prestigious Legion of Valor “Bronze Cross for Achievement” award from The Legion of Valor of the United States of America, Inc. organization. The award, given annually, celebrates the achievement of scholastic excellence in military and academic subjects for outstanding cadets.
With more than 103,000 eligible JROTC cadets in the U.S. Army Cadet Command’s 6th Brigade, which encompasses five states, sixty cadets were nominated for the award. Only eight cadets were selected to receive the award, including SMA Cadet Rendle. She was unaware of the award and was recognized in a surprise ceremony, during the high school morning formation, on September 26, 2019.
Cadet Rendle is a senior at Sarasota Military Academy who currently holds the title as SMA Cadet Colonel and Regimental Commander of SMA’s “Eagle Regiment.” Ranked third of 150 cadets in the SMA senior class graduating in 2020, Cadet Rendle holds a grade point average of 4.55. In addition to several civilian universities, she is in the process of applying to the United States Military Academy at West Point.
“Sarasota Military Academy is incredibly proud of Cadet Rendle for receiving such a prestigious award,” said Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Ben Weiss, Sarasota Military Academy Senior JROTC Instructor and Commandant of Cadets. “Cadet Rendle is a fantastic example of the talented cadets at Sarasota Military Academy. We are proud of her terrific achievements that have earned her this title and award.”
Eligible cadets are nominated by JROTC instructors; SMA CSM Mike Collis, SMA Raiders Coach, nominated Cadet Rendle. The cadet, along with her instructors, completed the extensive application packet and submitted it for consideration. During the ceremony on September 26, 2019, guests including Cadet Rendle’s parents and Sarasota City Commissioner Shelli Freeland Eddie, Esq. were present to witness the presentation of the award.
PHOTO ID: SMA Cadet Colonel Juliana Rendle with LTC (Retired) Ben Weiss of Sarasota Military Academy.
About Sarasota Military Academy
Founded in 2002, Sarasota Military Academy (SMA) is a public charter school, college preparatory academy and an accredited IB Diploma and Middle Years Programme (MYP) School with two campuses located in Sarasota, Florida. Combining extraordinary academics with the highest military principles of camaraderie, focus, leadership, integrity, compassion, poise, honor and respect, SMA’s mission is to graduate young men and women who will confidently define their personal and unique goals for success in a multi-cultural and globalized world. Sarasota Military Academy High School is located at 801 N. Orange Avenue and Sarasota Military Academy Prep Middle School, is located at 3101 Bethel Lane. To learn more about SMA, visit http://www.sarasotamilitaryacademy.org/.